From record-breaking skyscrapers and stadiums to high-profile cancellations, here are the 10 most notable architecture announcements of the year, featured as part of our Review of 2025.
Jeddah Tower, Saudi Arabia, by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
Previously known as Kingdom Tower, Jeddah Tower is set to become the tallest building in the world, aiming to reach a height of at least one kilometre.
The project was originally slated for completion in 2020 after its initial announcement in 2011, but construction was halted for several years after 63 storeys had been built, following allegations of corruption.
Earlier this year, the developer confirmed that construction had resumed, with a new target completion date of 2028.
Find out more about Jeddah Tower ›
One Park Lane, Australia, by BKK Architects and Cottee Parker
In July, plans were revealed for a pair of skyscrapers on the Gold Coast, one of which is poised to become the tallest building in Australia if constructed.
The residential tower is designed to reach 382 metres, overtaking both the 356-metre tower proposed by UNStudio and Cox Architects in Melbourne and the 323-metre Q1 Tower, also on the Gold Coast.
Developed by BKK Architects with Cottee Parker refining the design, the towers will be connected by a sweeping glass bridge on the 22nd floor.
According to the Australian Financial Review, apartments have been listed for as much as 45 million Australian dollars (approximately 29.7 million US dollars), with 100 units already sold as of last month.
Find out more about One Park Lane ›
Manchester United stadium, UK, by Foster + Partners
This year saw major stadium news, most notably from Manchester United.
Foster + Partners is designing a new 100,000-seat stadium for the renowned football club, featuring an expansive tent-like structure supported by three towering masts.
Despite its scale, the stadium is expected to be completed within five years, thanks to the implementation of advanced prefabrication techniques.
“This has to be one of the most exciting projects in the world today,” said Norman Foster, founder of the studio, who celebrated his 90th birthday in June.
Find out more about Manchester United’s new stadium ›
National Cathedral, Ghana, by Adjaye Associates
In June, the Ghanaian government announced steps toward canceling the Adjaye Associates-designed National Cathedral in Accra.
The project had sparked controversy due to its $400 million price tag and allegations that Adjaye Associates was retained through improper procedures.
According to the office of President John Dramani Mahama, the move followed an audit uncovering “a litany of financial irregularities, procurement breaches, and a ‘general lack of due process’.
Find out more about Ghana’s National Cathedral ›
White House State Ballroom, USA, by McCrery Architects
It was perhaps unsurprising that the year’s most-discussed announcement came from the White House.
In July, Donald Trump revealed plans to replace the East Wing with a grand neoclassical ballroom. Demolition began less than three months after the announcement.
The project’s rapid timeline, considerable scale, and private funding from major companies have all sparked debate.
Trump also suggested the construction of a triumphal arch in Washington DC to commemorate the USA’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
Find out more about the White House State Ballroom ›
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